BUSY BOLTERS Are you one?  The Shop Area
continues to pull in the most views on the Stovebolt. In August alone there were over 22,000 views in those 13 forums.
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Jul 21st, 2025 | | | | Joined: Jan 2015 Posts: 25 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Jan 2015 Posts: 25 | Hi all, kind of new to these older trucks. I really enjoy driving the old girl around, but have a question about the electrical system. I got this from my brother, 1948 Chevy 6400 with a grain bed on it. He says he thinks it was converted to 12 volt at some time, and he had a regular 12 volt battery in it when I got it. My question is, how can I tell for sure? And if it is still 6 volt, will I harm anything with the 12 volt battery. Thanks for any help you can give me. | | | | | Joined: Feb 2002 Posts: 12,029 Cruising in the Passing Lane | | Cruising in the Passing Lane Joined: Feb 2002 Posts: 12,029 | the only thing that would be important is if the generator is 6V [black tag] or 12V [red tag], a 6V generator won't charge a 12V battery - a 6V starter will work fine on 12V for years as long as you don't grind away with it for extended periods, light bulbs all need to be 12V of course, numbers will ID them, otherwise fire away
Bill | | | | | Joined: Jun 2012 Posts: 1,747 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Jun 2012 Posts: 1,747 | The voltage regulator will have a printed label that states 6 V or 12 V. It must match the generator. Usually printed right on the cover. They are wired the same way so it is easy to change out. Mounted the same way too.
Steve H
| | | | | Joined: Jun 2004 Posts: 8,597 Riding in the Passing Lane | | Riding in the Passing Lane Joined: Jun 2004 Posts: 8,597 | You can burn out the gas gauge if you put 12 volts in it without a resister.
They say money can't buy happiness. It can buy old Chevy trucks though. Same thing. 1972 Chevy c10 Cheyenne SuperIn the Gallery Forum | | | | | Joined: Jan 2015 Posts: 25 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Jan 2015 Posts: 25 | well, the gas gauge doesn't work anyway. we replaced the tank with a new one mounted on the frame several years ago, and my brother didn't figure he needed a gas gauge. I have a different opinion, and will probably be adding a gauge at some point. | | | | | Joined: Mar 2002 Posts: 9,112 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Mar 2002 Posts: 9,112 | From the Delco regulators that I have, the six volt ones have a long cover screw diagonally placed in two of the corners of the case. The twelve volt ones have a lower flange at each end on the cover with a short screw in the middle at each end. | | | | | Joined: Oct 2006 Posts: 9,671 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Oct 2006 Posts: 9,671 | Ya know Fred, I never noticed that before. I wonder if that
was standard throughout the industry?
Need to hear bout that from Dave or Jerry who taught it.
dg
Denny G
Sandwich, IL
| | | | | Joined: Jan 2015 Posts: 25 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Jan 2015 Posts: 25 | I looked at my regulator, and I have screws approximately in the middle of the flange on each side, but they are not directly across from each other. Kind of offset. Provided Im looking at the correct piece. :/ | | | | | Joined: Sep 2001 Posts: 29,262 Bubba - Curmudgeon | | Bubba - Curmudgeon Joined: Sep 2001 Posts: 29,262 |
I have seen 12v voltage regulators (and parts vendors sell 12v voltage regulators) that have their attachment holes in the 6v location (and have covers and cover attachment holes in the 6v location).
| | | | | Joined: Mar 2002 Posts: 9,112 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Mar 2002 Posts: 9,112 | Tim,
were they made by Delco? | | | | | Joined: Sep 2001 Posts: 29,262 Bubba - Curmudgeon | | Bubba - Curmudgeon Joined: Sep 2001 Posts: 29,262 |
No - no manufacturer markings.
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